Former North Kingstown coach sentenced to probation in ‘naked fat test’ case

WAKEFIELD, R.I. (WLNE) — The former North Kingstown High School boys basketball coach, who admitted to performing private, naked “fat tests” on his teenage players, was sentenced on Monday.

It was emotional day in South County Court, as the case against Aaron Thomas came to a close.

Thomas was found guilty in May on two misdemeanor counts after admitting to conducting “fat tests” on student-athletes, often while they were naked.

He was found not guilty of more serious sexual assault charges.

“My sole purpose was to provide the athletes with a competitive advantage, the chance to see athletic improvement and results,” Thomas said in court Monday.

Thomas said around 80% of athletes were fully undressed during these tests, acknowledging on the stand, in hindsight, it was wrong, but insisted there was no sexual intent.

The impact on some former students was still raw, as one victim drew a scathing comparison to Larry Nassar during Monday’s sentencing.

Nassar, the former USA gymnastics physician, was convicted of abusing hundreds of young athletes. He’s serving life in prison.

Thomas was sentenced to one year of probation.

“It is consistent with Aaron Thomas being a first time offender, consistent with his ability to rehabilitate himself, and quite frankly, move on with his life,” Thomas’s defense attorney said.

Thomas was also issued a no contact order for multiple victims.